Let England Shake by PJ Harvey

Released: February 15, 2011
Rating: 75.00

This is my fifth album by Polly Jean Harvey (her 11th studio release).  Although it's not one-for-one, the only artist I can compare her to is Patti Smith.  This is possibly the easist listen I've heard from her, though the subject matter can be dark reflections on war.  It was recorded in her home county of Dorset, England; and is sort of an ode to her homeland.

Perhaps my favorite song is numbre 8 In The Dark Places, but there's not a bad song on the album.  You can hear it at Myspace by clicking here.

Yuck by Yuck

Released: February 15, 2011
Rating 75.00

Contrary to the name (and disgusting album cover) the music on this debut album is sweet.  They have a lo-fi sound that reminds me of the Jesus And Mary Chain or Sonic Youth.  The band is comprised of six members (from London, Hiroshima, and Israel).

The album is available for listening at Myspace.  Just click here.  There isn't a bad listen on the album.  I'm particularly fond of the slow Shook Down or the faster Operation.

Hotel Shampoo by Gruff Rhys

Released: February 8, 2011 (in the UK; US 'Release set for May 3.)
Rating: 81.33

This is the fourth solo album by the lead singer from the Welsh band, The Super Furry Animals. The album title comes from Rhys's collection of shampoo bottles he gathers while on tour.

With a score of 80, all I can say is:  Buy it!  The amazing thing is that no single song scored 5 stars, but every song got a four (I love it)

Click here to listen to the phenomonal Shark Ridden Waters.

Catch My Shoe by The Ex

Released: January 25, 2011
Rating:  73

The Ex is a  punk band from the Netherlands, formed in the late 70's, at the same time as the Sex Pistols and the Clash.  The five members are a combination of dutch and British ex-pats.  (I don't know if that's where the name comes from. 

This is their 12th Studio Album.  They've still got a punk sound, updated for the 21st century, with some African Influences thrown in for good measure.  (In fact, one of the songs is a cover a song by an Ethiopian singer, but I don't know which one.  I'm guessing it's Tree Float.)   I was especially drawn to the horns.  Click to hear Maybe I Was The Pilot on YouTube.  It's an excellent representation of their sound.

I really like this.  There's nothing I'm blown away by, but there's a lot to love.

Deerhoof vs. Evil by Deerhoof

Released: January 25, 2011
Rating: 75

I discovered Deerhoof three years ago, though they began in '94, put out their first album in '97 and this is their 11th studio release.  They're a San Francisco based (currently) 4 piece.  The vocalist is a woman named Satomi Matsuzaki who has a voice that reminds me of Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer on The Girl from Ipanema.  The music however, couldn't be more different.

Allmusic.com's description is excellent: "By turns cuddly and chaotic, San Francisco's Deerhoof mix noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into sweetly challenging and utterly distinctive music. "

My favorite song on the album is Secret Mobilization.  Go to the Myspace album page to listen to it, or other songs.

Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine

Released January 25, 2011
Rating 76 (out of 100)

Iron and Wine is a pseudonym for Sam Bean, a folk rock singer/songwriter from South Carolina.  This is his 5th studio release since 2002.  You definitely should check out Monkey's Uptown on my space. It reminds me of something out of the '60s or '70s, but I can't put my finger on it.

I don't generally go big for folk, but this is a great album.  His voice is satiny and the music is gentle.  I hear influences from America and Crosby Still & Nash.  It's a very pretty listen.

Thank You Happy Birthday by Cage The Elephant

Released: January 11, 2011
Rating: 78.33 (out of 100)

2011 looks like it will be a great year.  January took off like a shot and hasn't slowed down.

The 5-piece band, Cage the Elephant, got together in Kentucky in 2007, but had their first success in Britain.  From their first album, in 2009, they hit big with the single Ain't No Rest For The Wicked.  This album is fantastic, especially the opener Always Something.  Click Here to give it a listen .  The music is pretty much mainstream rock, be prepared for a little screaming and a lot of vocal hooks.